Thank you for choosing our tour at the East Garden of the Imperial Palace on May 6, 2023. We welcomed 25 guests from the USA, Australia, Spain, Germany, Israel, Poland, and Italy. I hope all of you enjoyed and shared interesting conversations with us during the tour. As promised, group photos and snapshots are attached to remember the fun times we had.
It was a hot day that reminded me of early summer, so adequate hydration was important. The coolness of the wind kept us out of the heat. The return rush of people who spent Japan’s “Golden Week” holidays in their hometowns and at travel spots began on May 5. It is reported that congestion on the expressway has already started and that the reserved seats on the bullet trains are almost full. Tokyo Station was a little crowded today, but the East Gardens was quiet and we enjoyed a comfortable tour with our great guests.
Children’s Day is annually celebrated on May 5th. This national holiday used to be known as Boys’ Day. In 1948, the Japanese government changed the official name and made it for all children. On Children’s Day, many families raise carp-shaped streamers (Koinobori) outside the house. Miniature Samurai armor and helmet are also popular items. These decorations are believed to counteract bad luck. The signature sweets for Children’s Day are Kashiwa Mochi and Chimaki. Kashiwa Mochi is a rice cake filled with sweet bean paste wrapped in an oak leaf. Chimaki is a steamed glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves. On this day, we take a bath with the leaves of the sweet flag. The leaves of the sweet flag are believed to have the power to protect from evils and can be used as an herb that improves blood circulation.
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(Posted by YONE)